Cozy Soup Night

Cozy Soup Night provides a warm, comforting escape from the chill of colder months or simply a soothing retreat on a quiet evening. Imagine gathering around a simmering pot of homemade chicken noodle soup, filled with nutritious ingredients like bone-in chicken legs and wings, carrots, celery, and peas.

The soup is infused with the aromatic flavors of shallots, garlic, dried thyme, and parsley, simmered in a rich, gluten-free chicken broth that caters to dietary needs without compromising taste. As the chicken cooks to tender perfection, the air fills with a heartwarming scent that promises a satisfying meal.

Additionally, the soup features homemade gluten-free noodles, crafted from a simple dough of eggs and flour, adding a personal touch and texture that elevates this dish from a mere meal to an act of care.

This soup night is not just about feeding the body but also nourishing the soul, offering a moment of togetherness and warmth around the dinner table.

Ingredients

• For the soup:
• 2 bone-in chicken legs (thigh plus drumstick) plus 2 chicken wings, bone-in, skins removed
• 6 cups gluten-free chicken broth, plus more, to taste
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 large shallot or 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt, to taste
• pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour blend
• For the noodles:
• 3 whole large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups gluten-free flour blend, plus more, to taste, for dusting a work surface

Directions

Step 1 -In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat, add the chicken pieces, 6 cups of the broth, the carrots, the celery, the shallots, the dried thyme, the dried parsley, the bay leaves, the garlic, the extra salt, and the pepper and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 2 -Cover the pot and lower the heat to a simmer.

Step 3 -Simmer the soup mixture until the chicken pieces are tender and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 30 minutes.

Step 4 -Transfer the chicken pieces from the pot and allow them to cool until safe to handle.

Step 5 -Remove the bones and shred the chicken using two forks.

Step 6 -In a small bowl, add the eggs, the egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of the salt, and the water and whisk to combine.

Step 7 -In a large bowl, add 2 cups of the flour and make a well in the center.

Step 8 -Pour the egg mixture into the well in the flour and using a fork, whisk around the edges of the well to gradually add the flour to the egg mixture until incorporated and a stiff dough forms.

Step 9 -Using the extra flour, heavily flour a work surface.

Step 10 -Place the dough onto the prepared work surface and knead it until it comes together and is smooth.

Step 11 -Form the dough into a ball and then cut the ball in half.

Step 12 -Roll each of the dough halves until very thin, sprinkling them with the extra flour and rotating the dough to avoid sticking.

Step 13 -Cut the dough halves into 2 1/2×1/2-inch strips.

Step 14 -Toss the dough strips with the extra flour to avoid sticking.

Step 15 -Sprinkle the noodles into the pot with the soup and cook, while stirring often, until they are plump and tender, about 13-15 minutes. If the soup begins to thicken too much, add the extra broth, as needed.

Step 16 -Add the frozen peas and the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 17 -In a small bowl, add the milk and the remaining 2 tablespoons of the flour and whisk vigorously to combine.

Step 18 -Stream the slurry mixture into the pot and cook until the soup mixture is thick and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Step 19 -Taste the soup for seasoning, adding more of the salt and the pepper, as needed.

Step 20 -Transfer the pot from the heat and let it thicken for 10 minutes.

Step 21 -Serve.

FAQ for Cozy Soup Night

1. What type of chicken is best for this soup?
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to use bone-in chicken pieces such as legs (thigh plus drumstick) and wings. The bones help enrich the broth, making it more flavorful.

2. Can I use store-bought noodles instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use store-bought gluten-free noodles if you’re short on time or prefer convenience. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and add them to the soup as directed.

3. Is there a dairy-free alternative to the milk in the recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk. These will alter the flavor slightly but should still yield a creamy soup.

4. How do I store leftover soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat until thoroughly warmed. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you may need to add a little extra broth while reheating.

5. Can I freeze this soup?
This soup can be frozen, though the noodles may soften more upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.